What is an emergency?
Any tree or branch that is causing immediate danger to either people or property is treated as an emergency. For example:
- Tree is snapped or blown over
- Tree is rocking – roots are damaged
- A large branch has broken off or is hanging off
- Tree or branch is blocking highway or footpath
- Tree or branch is blocking access to property
- Tree has fallen on to house or car
What should I do if I think this is an emergency?
If the tree requires immediate attention, please call Parks and Countryside's Forestry Section on
- (0113) 395 7400 during office hours (8am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm on a Friday)
- (0113) 376 0499 out of normal office hours.
If the tree is causing an immediate danger to highway users, please call the Police on 999.
What information will I need to provide?
- The exact location of the tree
- A contact name and telephone number in case we need to contact you for more details
What do we do when we get an emergency call?
Parks and Countryside provide a 24 hour emergency service. When we receive an emergency call we will immediately send a member of our team to assess the problem, and take the necessary steps to remove the danger or make things safe.
When is a tree dangerous and not an emergency?
A tree may be dangerous and not pose an immediate threat to safety. These trees can be dealt with in normal office hours. Symptoms that may mean that a tree is dangerous include:
- Bark loose and falling off
- Mushrooms or bracket fungi growing on or near the tree
- Old splits and cracks in the trunk or large branches
- Small branches or twigs fallen from tree
- Tree has no leaves in summer
What should I do if I think the tree is dangerous?
Please phone Parks and Countryside's Forestry Section on (0113) 395 7400 between 8am and 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8am and 4pm on a Friday. Outside of these hours you can leave a message on the answerphone and we will get back to you.
What information will I need to provide?
- Your name, address details and/or telephone number, so that we can contact you for further details if necessary
- The exact location of the tree
What we do when we receive notice of a dangerous tree?
- We record your enquiry
- We will prioritise the inspection from the information you have provided and send a Tree officer to inspect the condition of the tree
- We will carry out any appropriate action to remedy or alleviate the danger within a reasonable timescale. This may involve contacting other departments for legal advice or action.